At our Connect NZ Repair Centres we see first hand just how frustrating it can be to experience tech issues with that essential piece of ‘get things done’ equipment – your laptop. Given their significance, maximising the lifespan of these devices is crucial. So our repair team has put together some effective tips – based on the most common oversights they see at our Repair Centres – to ensure your laptop stays efficient and functional for as long as possible. If it still goes awry – we’re here to help!
- Keep it Clean
It seems a bit of an obvious one but dust, crumbs, and dirt can find their way into the crevices of your laptop, leading to overheating and hardware damage. With more of us working and eating on the go, this has become a more common problem. Our techies often find that a stuck or unresponsive key – has actually been caused by tiny pieces of food detritus. Regularly clean your laptop using compressed air to remove debris from the keyboard, ports, and vents. A soft microfiber cloth can also help wipe the screen and exterior surfaces. BUT don’t spray anything onto the screen! Some sprays are too harsh and can leave a milky or uneven sheen on the screen surface.
- Mind the Temperature
Do you often work with your laptop perched on your lap, or have you taken working from home to the next level (aka working from bed)? Then you may have experienced an overheated laptop. This happens when there isn’t proper ventilation, and instead the fluffiness of textiles block the laptops ability to expel heat. Heat is a laptop’s enemy. Ensure proper ventilation by using your laptop on flat surfaces and avoiding blocking the vents. Additionally, using a laptop cooling pad can help dissipate heat and prevent overheating, extending its lifespan. Or just go old school and work from a desk, and extend your laptop life!
- Handle with Care
Transporting your laptop in a padded case or sleeve shields it from physical damage. There are some brilliant laptop cases on the market now including backpack styles, so there’s no excuse to not provide the proper protection from knocks and scrapes. Avoid placing heavy objects on it, and always handle it gently. Closing the lid properly and avoiding abrupt movements while the device is in use can prevent strain on the hinges and internal components. Many of the breakages we see here at the Repair Centre are from when laptop owners have a ‘she’ll be right’ moment, such as a quick transition to a car or through an airport. It happens to the best of us, but our advice is if it’s in transit – keep it protected!.
- Battery Health
Batteries do degrade over time, but you can extend their lifespan by avoiding extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and not letting them drain completely before recharging. When we talk to our customers about this consideration almost all of them admit to letting their laptop run completely flat on a regular basis. So aim to keep it above 50% if you can. Many laptops also have battery management settings that can help optimise battery health. When your battery really is at the end of its life, your laptop doesn’t need to be buried with it. Come in and see us, and we can replace your battery for you – meaning your laptop can live on.
- Software Updates and Maintenance
Regularly updating your operating system and software ensures that your laptop remains secure and operates efficiently. At Connect NZ we are serious about cyber security. Consider using antivirus software to ensure laptop security and protect against malware and viruses that can harm your system.
- Storage Management
Adequate storage space is essential for your laptop’s performance. Avoid filling the hard drive to its maximum capacity, as it can slow down the system. Regularly delete unnecessary files and consider using an external drive or cloud storage for long-term storage needs. We always encourage our customers to utilise external storage options. It has the added benefit of acting as a back up to all those important files and photos if your laptop does have an unexpected system failure.
- Regular Maintenance Checks
Periodically check your laptop for signs of wear, such as frayed cables, loose connections, or unusual noises. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and prolong your laptop’s life. We’re here to help you make sure your laptop stays fully functional and can carry out maintenance checks for you.
Our team is sure that by adopting these simple yet effective practices, you can significantly extend your laptop’s lifespan and ensure it remains a reliable tool for your daily tasks.
Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the health and longevity of your laptop. Having a few laptop issues you just can’t figure out? Bring it into our authorised repairers and we can sort it for you. You can start a new repair here.
